Samsung announces the rugged, long-lasting Galaxy S7 Active

Like previous years, Samsung is following up the launch of its Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 edge smartphones with the introduction of the tougher and bulkier Active variant. The phone is designed so it can stand up to much harsher outdoor conditions and environments while also offering super-long battery life -- and according to early reviews it delivers on both fronts.

The Galaxy S7 Active features a shatter-resistant 5.1-inch screen and a massive 4,000mAh battery, up from 3,000mAh on the S7. In terms of design it’s not as sleek as the metal and glass Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 edge, but it’s not terrible either if you don’t mind the more ‘industrial’ look. It is much better looking than last year’s model, with nice round corners, a simplified rear and improved front face buttons.

The S7 Active uses the same QHD AMOLED display as the regular S7. It also has the same blazing fast Snapdragon 820 processor, 4GB of RAM, and 12-megapixel camera as its non-rugged sibling. The finger print reader is still there despite the ruggedized front buttons, and you’re limited to 32GB of built-in storage with the option to expand through the included microSD slot.

Like its predecessors the Galaxy S7 Active will be an AT&T exclusive. You can get it in three different colors -- Cammo Green, Titanium Gray, Sandy Gold -- on June 10 for a hefty $795 off contract, $26.50 for 30 months with an AT&T Next plan or $33.13 a month for 24 months with an AT&T Next Every Year plan.

I love my current S6 Active. I have a case on it because I'm paranoid, but it's nice to have a little bit of extra safety for impacts, as well as the water resistance that the other S6 variants don't have.

And the 3500 mAh battery is really nice too. If I had a real justification for purchasing this phone, I'd definitely pick one up.

At&t branding...stripped features, bloat, overpriced. Nope.
The carriers say they got rid of the traditional 2 year contract, but, they hatched a new one with the only pay a little per month for the phone, while we continue to stick it to you on the mobile data.